Welcome and Introductions: Mike McMillen welcomed Mike Niezer to the chapter and his first chapter board meeting.

Review of Spring & Summer Events: Summer Send Off – The outing was canceled due to lack of registrations. Discussion was held about why the event was not successful. It was felt that the invitation from the Admissions office created confusion about the purpose of the event, leading most students to feel like it was another admissions presentation, not a send-off party. It was also felt that moving the event to earlier in the day prevented families who go to the lakes from attending. The chapter would like to try the event again, but only if it can be marketed and run as a fun, meet and greet, social event.

Summer Golf Outing – The 2014 outing, scheduled for June 19 at Orchard Ridge Country Club, was canceled by the event’s main organizer. It was decided that without Matt Momper’s involvement and organization, the outing will need a committee of 4-5 people to run it and make it successful. Eric is willing to serve on that committee, but cannot undertake the outing by himself.

Three Rivers Festival Parade – The July 12 parade was a huge success as far as alumni involvement and community visibility. The board feels that the parade and lunch for participants is a very worthwhile activity for the chapter and makes a good impression on the community, especially since IU and Purdue both have a presence in the parade.

Planning of Upcoming Events: Fort Wayne Mad Ants Basketball Outing – The board’s feeling is that there is not enough interest in the Mad Ants at this time to hold an outing every year.

Science Central – The last event at Science Central was well received, but the board decided this is also an event that would be most successful if it was held every two or three years.

2015 TGIF Outings – The board discussed moving this to a Hump Day (Wednesday) or Thirsty Thursday activity. It was felt that the new Scotty’s Brewhouse would be a draw, and Scott Wise is eager to host the BSU alumni group. It was felt the events would be most successful in April or October. Jacquie and Mo will head the planning.

Tin Caps Outing – The chapter would like to try another Tin Caps outing in 2015. It was suggested that the private space above first base might be a draw, as well as gaining sponsorships to subsidize the price of children’s tickets to keep it affordable for families.

Conducting an alumni survey to gauge interest in events and activities was discussed. If this is available, the chapter is strongly interested in using this tool to determine what the Northeastern Indiana alumni are expecting from their chapter. Carol will work with the Alumni Programs media director to develop the survey. Jacquie, Mo and Mike M. would like to review the survey before it is sent to alumni.

The chapter will further discuss starting a Cardinal Networking event, but feels that it would need to start small and grow over a few years to get to the level of the Indianapolis event.

Alumni Council Report:In Russ’s absence, Carol reported that Wayne Estopinal was re-elected as an alumni representative on the Ball State University Board of Trustees, and that the Alumni Council will meet next on January 31, 2015. She also reported on the loss of Alumni Council Executive Committee member John Bowles, who made many contributions to the Council and will be missed.

Election of Officers and Confirmation of Board Positions:Current board officers will remain in office for another year.

Recommendations were made to invite Alyssa Ivanson-Losier and Erica Wurst to join the board. As two recent graduates who are up and coming in the Fort Wayne community, it was felt they would be good candidates. Carol will contact them and extend the invitation.

Next Meeting: A date for a spring meeting will be set in the next couple months.